Gateron Luciola vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Gateron Luciola and the HMX Xinhai, both of which are linear switches. The Luciola switch is known for its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and unique hollow sound profile reminiscent of a "can of spray paint being shaken." On the other hand, the Xinhai switch offers a softer and more subtle acoustics profile with a POM stem for a crisp, higher-pitched resonance. The Xinhai embodies a blend of sophistication and performance that is distinctively different from the flashy appeal of the Luciola. These general pointers can help in choosing between the two switches based on personal preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Luciola and the HMX Xinhai switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Xinhai uses a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. While both materials result in a satisfying sound, the Luciola may offer a slightly softer tone compared to the sharper sound of the Xinhai.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Gateron Luciola utilizes the same proprietary INK blend, which contributes to its thin and higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai employs a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. The difference in material between the two switches results in a varying sound experience when typing, with the Luciola offering a thinner sound and the Xinhai providing a rounder and fuller sound. Despite the contrasting sound profiles, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique bottom housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Luciola and the HMX Xinhai housing materials ultimately depends on personal preference for sound profiles. While the Luciola features a more pointed and high-pitched sound with its INK blend housing materials, the Xinhai provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing. Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Luciola and Xinhai offer different sound experiences, with the Luciola producing a thinner sound and the Xinhai generating a fuller sound. In the end, both switches offer quality housing materials that contribute to a pleasing typing experience, albeit with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
The Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the HMX Xinhai linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Luciola requires 60 grams while the Xinhai needs 45 grams. This means that the Luciola provides a more consistent and slightly heavier typing experience overall, while the Xinhai offers a lighter touch with less force required for both actuation and bottoming out. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the lighter touch of the Xinhai for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the more substantial feel of the Luciola for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual typing preferences and the desired level of force required for each keystroke.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, we can see that the Luciola has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for faster response times. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so in terms of practical use, you can expect similar results from both. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference regarding the feel of the switch during use.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
The HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Luciola linear switch produces a marbly, high-pitched, crisp sound when pressed, reminiscent of tapping on a rock-solid piece of marble. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, sharp and snappy in nature. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, with the Luciola emphasizing a clean, high-pitched resonance and the Xinhai focusing on a bright and percussive tone.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Luciola switch is known for its smooth and bouncy typing experience, offering a polished and responsive feel with a medium heft. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch provides a bouncy sensation, giving users a spring-like feedback with a creamy and elastic keystroke feel. While the Luciola switch exudes a sense of fluidity and refinement, the Xinhai switch emphasizes a lively rebound and silky smooth sensation during typing.
Considering the sound and feel characteristics of the Gateron Luciola and HMX Xinhai linear switches, users can expect different tactile and auditory experiences when using these switches. The Luciola switch leans towards a marbly, high-pitched sound and a smooth, polished typing feel, while the Xinhai switch offers a clacky sound profile with a bouncy and creamy keystroke sensation. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches present unique qualities that cater to diverse typing preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, consider the bottom out force and sound and feel profiles. If you prefer a medium heft with a smooth and bouncy typing feel, along with a glowing feature, the Luciola may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a unique acoustics profile and a crisp, higher-pitched resonance, the Xinhai might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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